EARLY CHILDHOOD
focus on discovery
Preschool - PreKindergarten (ages 2-5)
Why stop at “why?” Toddlers love to ask questions, and at Gillispie, we celebrate that! Every “why?” is a doorway to a world of wonder, and our teachers nurture curiosity through playful exploration. We empower your child to explore, build confidence, and develop essential skills for a lifelong love of learning.
Let’s turn those questions into a foundation for future discovery!
Gillispie's Early Education Pillars
Relationship-Driven Learning
We have a deep respect for the child and promote independence, kindness, inclusivity, and individuality. We support the child’s social-emotional development by providing a respectful environment for relationships to flourish. We partner with parents on each family’s journey.
Fostering Child-Led Curiosity
We diligently listen to children’s ideas and inspire further investigation to elaborate and test their theories. We encourage experimentation and view mistakes as opportunities. We develop open-ended provocations that appeal to the child’s curiosity, leading to critical thinking and problem-solving.
Curated Learning Environment
We believe the environment is the "third teacher", and we view our indoor and outdoor spaces as integral to inspiring curiosity and wonder. We advocate for children to connect with nature, understanding and caring for the environment through sustainable practices.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Mindy Coates-Smith
Director of Early Childhood
(858) 459-3773 ext. 116
[email protected]
OUR EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS
PARENT TODDLER
Gillispie’s Parent Toddler Exploration Program (PTEP) offers fun-filled mornings for toddler-aged (20-36 months) children and their grownups.
Age Range
20-36 mo.
Schedule Options
1 morning per week
2024-2025 Sessions
- Session 1: October 2 - November 20
- Session 2: January 8 - February 26
- Session 3: March 5 - April 30
Watch for fall 2024 registration.
EARLY PRESCHOOL
Our Littles Cottage is home to our youngest learners. This charming wonderland features two bright indoor classrooms and two dedicated outdoor play areas - designed specifically for our curious 2-3-year-olds. Our expert teachers and vibrant spaces work together to spark discovery, creation, confidence, and endless play. We call it “edu-caring,” where we nurture emotional well-being while encouraging independent skills. Our Littles will also explore exciting weekly specialties like music, library, and P.E.!
Age Range
2-3 (child must be 2 years old by September 1, 2024, to enroll for the 24-25 school year)
Schedule Options
3 or 5 half or full-days
Extended Care (optional)
3:30-5:00 p.m.
Class Sizes
6:1 or lower ratio
PRESCHOOL
Our Middles program offers a vibrant learning environment for your inquisitive 3-4-year-old. Three bright indoor classrooms and the incredible Outdoor Classroom create a world of exploration, perfectly designed to embrace our unique emergent curriculum. Our dedicated teachers become learning partners, observing your child’s interests and turning them into engaging activities. Through play, your child will develop essential pre-academic skills like problem-solving, while fostering a growth mindset by learning from mistakes. These years are about exploring with confidence and independence, and we will equip your child with the tools to do just that. Our Middles will also take enriching specialty classes weekly in music, library, and P.E.!
Age Range
3-4
Schedule Options
3 or 5 half or full-days
Extended Care (optional)
3:30-5:00 p.m.
Class Sizes
7:1 or lower ratio
PREKINDERGARTEN
Our PreK program seamlessly bridges the gap between preschool and elementary school. Building on your child’s preschool foundation, we embrace an emergent curriculum that integrates student-driven projects with essential skills in math, literacy, science, and more for Kindergarten readiness. Three bright indoor classrooms and an amazing Outdoor Classroom transform into a world of discovery and open-ended exploration. We celebrate the “aha” moments that follow mistakes, fostering a growth mindset and problem-solving skills.
Age Range
4-5
Schedule Options
5 full days
Extended Care (optional)
3:30-5:00 p.m.
Class Sizes
7:1 or lower ratio
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No. We follow the cues of children in toilet learning and partner with families wherever they are in the process. We happily change diapers and help kids when they have an accident, which is a typical part of developing this skill.
Between 1:6 and 1:8. We have two fully qualified professional educators for each classroom of 12-15 students.
Mornings start with a warm welcome from a teacher who will greet you and your child at the Fay Street gate or at your car. Then they’ll escort your child to their classroom. Pick-up is just as easy - a teacher will bring your child to you after verifying your identity. Caregivers are also welcome on campus at the end of the day and may pick up their children from their classrooms.
Parents provide snacks and lunch or can purchase a hot lunch from our hot lunch provider, Ki’s School Lunches. Click here to learn more about our lunch program.
No, but all children are required to participate in a period of quiet rest time. Some children fall asleep and some do not. The duration of rest time varies from class to class.
Gillispie uses several communication tools to keep parents engaged and informed. A weekly, schoolwide digital newsletter called The Sun is sent via email. Also, classroom teachers publish stories on Storypark. These stories provide more detailed narratives about your child that include pictures, quotes, and descriptions of their learning journeys.
Tuition ranges depending on your child’s grade level and schedule. For the 2024/25 school year tuition rates, see here. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Mindy Coates-Smith
Director of Early Childhood
(858) 459-3773 ext. 116
[email protected]